The Patman Center brings together speakers from across the political spectrum, including public leaders, political professionals, and policy experts. Our events provide real-world perspectives on governance, campaigns, and civic life, offering students and the broader community an inside look at how leadership and democracy function in practice.
2025 Past Speakers
Throughout the 2025 academic year, Patman Center programming connected audiences with 26 leaders actively engaged in politics from both sides of the aisle, including elected officials, campaign strategists, and legislative staff, providing firsthand insight into how political decisions are made.
2024 Past Speakers
In Spring 2024, The Patman Center welcomed 36 distinguished speakers from across the political spectrum. From Republican to Democratic elected officials to legislative staff and campaign professionals, our events bring real-world insights from leaders shaping politics today.
The Patman Center Events
Event Status
Scheduled
Date and time: Monday February 16, 2026, 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Location:LBJ - Bass Lecture Hall
Join us on President’s Day with a U.S. presidential historian and best-selling author, as we celebrate by welcoming one of the nation’s foremost voices on American leadership. Brinkley, author of acclaimed books including The Wilderness Warrior: Theodore Roosevelt and the Crusade for America, American Moonshot: John F. Kennedy and the Great Space Race, and Rightful Heritage: Franklin D. Roosevelt and the Land of America, will explore the presidency, its legacy, and what history can teach us about our moment today.
Event Status
Scheduled
Date and time: Tuesday February 17, 2026, 12:15 pm - 1:45 pm
Location:SRH 3.214
This training equips students with the skills and strategies to deliver clear, persuasive oral testimony on issues that matter to them. Students will learn how to prepare, present, and make an impact during legislative committee hearings with confidence and clarity.
Event Status
Scheduled
Date and time: Friday February 20, 2026, 12:15 pm - 1:15 pm
Location:LBJ - Bass Lecture Hall
Taylor Rehmet just flipped TX-District 9 in a historic special election, defeating Republican Leigh Wambsganss in a seat that had been held by the GOP for decades. President Trump carried the district by 17 points in 2024 and Rehmet will share insights on grassroots campaigning, engaging voters across party lines, and what this remarkable win could mean for the future of Texas politics.
Event Status
Scheduled
Date and time: Monday February 23, 2026, 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Location:LBJ - Bass Lecture Hall
Join us for a conversation with Jon Ralston, CEO of The Nevada Independent and author of "The Game Changer: How Harry Reid Remade the Rules and Showed Democrats How to Fight". Ralston will offer behind-the-scenes insights into modern political power, media, and strategy, drawing on his deep experience covering Nevada and national politics.
Event Status
Scheduled
Date and time: Tuesday February 24, 2026, 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Location:LBJ - Bass Lecture Hall
Join us for Crime and Punishment, a moderated conversation with José Garza, Travis County District Attorney. Garza will discuss the politics and pressing issues shaping criminal justice today, offering insight into how this moment is redefining public safety and accountability in Central Texas.
Event Status
Scheduled
Date and time: Thursday February 26, 2026, 12:15 pm - 1:45 pm
Location:SRH 3.214
This moderated conversation with Randan Steinhauser (R) and Cliff Walker (D) offers real-world insights into building and sustaining collaborative efforts for social change. Through shared stories and practical takeaways, students will learn how collective impact groups form, navigate challenges, and create lasting progress in their communities.